The Reds have already agreed terms with the 25-year-old, who has been put up for sale by cost-cutting Russians Anzhi Makhachkala, and had been confident of completing the deal.

But the two clubs have not yet agreed a fee, with Anzhi demanding £30million and Liverpool offering only £26m.

Spurs have now indicated to the Russians that they are ready to improve on the Anfield giants’ bid.

The Londoners would also be able to offer the Brazil international European football in a season which ends with a World Cup in his homeland, should they win their Europa League play-off against Dinamo Tbilisi. (DailyMirror)

The deal was reported as almost done and dusted for Liverpool but this raised bid in the 11th hour by Tottenham has rattled the Reds.